President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as “one of God’s generals” whose life and ministry greatly impacted generations across Nigeria and beyond.

In a statement issued from the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, on Monday, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the revered cleric, who died at the age of 80.

The President hailed Dr. Ukpai as “an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”

He noted that the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and a co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) dedicated his life to preaching unity, peace, and revival across nations, recalling major crusades such as “Greater Ibadan for Christ” (1982) and “Greater Lagos for Christ” (1985), which he said left lasting spiritual impact.

“Dr. Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder, linking different people, tongues, and tribes,” Tinubu said.

The President also praised the late evangelist’s humanitarian works through the establishment of schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations that catered to the underprivileged.

“Dr. Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” Tinubu said.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, the widow of the deceased, their children, and members of his ministry, urging them to take solace in the enduring legacy of the late servant of God.